Microstructure and Properties of Mg-10%Al-(0～3%)Di Alloys

The effects of didymium(Nd:Pr=3:1)on the microstructure and mechanical properties of Mg-10%Al alloy were studied with the additions of 0～3%Di. The small block-like Al2(Nd,Pr) phase appears in 1%Di alloy, the block-like Al2(Nd,Pr) and needle-like Al11(Nd,Pr)3 phases appear synchronously in 2%Di and 3%Di alloys, while the network of (Mg17Al12) β phase is broken up. The tensile properties can be improved with the addition of didymium. When the addition of didymium in Mg-10%Al alloy reaches 2%, the alloy exhibits the best combination of strength and ductility, but the strength and ductility drop at the addition of 3%Di due to the obvious increase of the size and quantity of the needle-like Al11(Nd,Pr)3 phase.